the beauty of rejection (letters)
the beauty of rejection (letters)
on why rejection feels like an accomplishment
Thoughtlessly tapping on the mail app on my phone, I being to scroll not expecting anything in particular. I come across an email from an address I don’t recognize. The next moment I remember that this is a literary magazine I submitted my work to a few weeks back.
Opening the email, I quickly notice the “Thank you, but…”
Thankfully, I expected this. I’ve read enough books from authors detailing their early years of rejection letters by the hundreds. While paying the small submission fee weeks ago, I reminded myself of a stat I had recently heard from a writer who said that, on average, one in nineteen submissions are accepted.
One in nineteen aren’t great odds, and I know that in order to get the one work accepted I have to submit the eighteen that will be rejected.
Historically, I haven’t taken rejection well, so I am extremely surprised when I find myself feeling a small burst of pride at this rejection email. Yes, my work wasn’t validated in the way that I hoped, but this rejection letter is a hint towards something that I did accomplish.
This rejection letter means that I was brave enough to not only do the work of sitting down and flexing my creative muscles, but that I went a step beyond the creating towards my goal of sharing my work. For me, this is huge. When it comes to letting my work go in the world, I’ve been stuck. I’ve hesitated about knowing what steps to take, needlessly overanalyzing what to do.
But I did it! I took a step. Though my work was rejected, I still took a step towards growth.
Not everyone will relate to this example of sharing creative work, but there are places in all of our lives where our so-called failures point to our bravery. But maybe you recently made a bit for closeness in a relationship or shared an idea at work or gave your opinion about something or sent the first text. These seemingly small moves that open us up to rejection also open us up to growth and movement. I’m learning that these moments aren’t so much about what happens after I take a step, but only that I do take a step.
I will not deny that rejection after rejection does get old, that facing these disappointments can start to hurt. I’ve found that having people in my corner who celebrate my efforts is one of the best comforts when I’m starting to feel discouraged. I’m so thankful for the people in my corner who affirm the work that I do, who recognize my effort. It is so important to have people who you find safety with at the end of the day. If you don’t have these relationships, I’d encourage you to seek them out—perhaps prayerfully.
I know this newsletter is a short one, but I just wanted to pop into your inbox to tell you that your vulnerability, your bravery, and your small steps matter.
Beauty from the week!
This song is so stunning. I listen to it at least once a day, haha.
I’m embracing no-spend January! So far I’ve been semi-successful aka I bought one pair of jeans, but I justify it because I’ve been selling a bunch of my old clothes, haha. GIRL MATH!!! Really though, I’m enjoying being mindful and reflective about what I’m considering buying.
This book called “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin. It came highly recommended but I was hesitant after reading the summary. The first couple chapters were slow, but the pace quickly picked up. It was such a unique, fun, and meaningful book. I highly recommend! (This book isn’t for young readers!)
Lastly, I’m obsessed with this sweater I bought from Sonderhaus. Would 100% purchase again. Also, it’s super soft!! I can’t stand even slightly itchy sweaters, so trust me when I tell you that this has zero itch factor, haha.)
That’s all for this week.
I can’t tell you how thankful I am for you and the time you spend reading my newsletter. I appreciate your support so incredibly much.
Catherine